UFC & Boxing News

Kurt Angle Reveals How Much Money UFC Offered Him In 1996

Kurt Angle Article Pic 10 WrestleFeed App

Below are some top news stories of the day, involving Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels.

• WWF Attitude Era Legend Kurt Angle’s journey to becoming a wrestling icon almost took a different turn—one that could have led him into the brutal world of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). In a recent interview with Dr. Beau Hightower on YouTube, Angle revealed how close he came to stepping into the Octagon.

Back in 1996, before Dana White’s tenure, UFC made an offer to Kurt. However, the landscape of MMA was vastly different then, described by Angle as “a little more barbaric”. The deal on the table was substantial, a 10-fight contract worth $150,000 per fight. But Kurt ultimately declined.

Reflecting on his decision, Angle admitted he hadn’t planned his post-Olympic career thoroughly. He turned down the World Wrestling Federation’s initial multi-million dollar offer as well. Professional Wrestling wasn’t his first choice; his family regarded him as the “real deal”, and he shared their skepticism towards the scripted nature of pro wrestling.

After rejecting the WWF’s offer, Angle pursued a sportscasting role, which he found unsatisfying. However, a glimpse of the WWF product, particularly the charisma of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, piqued his interest. He reached out to the World Wrestling Federation again, but the original offer was no longer on the table. Instead, he was invited to try out, eventually leading to a contract offer, and the rest – so they say – is history.

WATCH: Revealing Photos Of Karen Jarrett (Wife Of Jeff Jarrett / Ex-Wife Of Kurt Angle):

• Shawn Michaels has transitioned from the ring to a pivotal role as Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative at WWE NXT. Despite his retirement from full-time wrestling back in 2010 after his epic showdown with The Undertaker at WrestleMania, fans have often speculated about dream matches involving Michaels.

In a recent interview with ‘Gorilla Position’, Michaels shed light on a potential comeback scenario, stating that his ultimate dream opponent for a final WrestleMania bout would be none other than AJ Styles. Citing their similar styles and the excitement surrounding such a matchup, The Heartbreak Kid expressed his belief that this showdown would be a fan favorite.

This revelation reignites speculation that initially surfaced in 2017, when rumors swirled about a possible clash between AJ and Shawn at the Royal Rumble event. Despite the buzz, the match never materialized, and Styles ended up facing John Cena for the WWE Championship at the event, making history in the process.

However, Michaels’ own return to the ring did occur in 2018, albeit in a different capacity. Teaming up with longtime friend Triple H, Michaels stepped back into action for a one-shot tag team match against The Undertaker and Kane at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.


        
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